Every Christian homeschool encounters times when things get a little difficult. To help you get through those moments, here are some thoughts that will help you put everything into perspective.
Stop and consider the many reasons you began your Christian homeschool. Along with the educational reasons, most families also start to homeschool their children in order to have more quality family time together.
When problems arise, don't start looking to the public school system to solve them for you. Your answer is within your family, so gather the family together to discuss the issues, and brainstorm how to fix them.
Children need stability in their home lives, and one of the best ways to provide this is to set up several family traditions. Maybe you'll decide to have a prayer and devotional time each day as part of your Christian homeschool. Maybe you can develop a charitable work that your children can participate in on a regular basis as part of their homeschooling. Be creative when thinking about what traditions you can have in your family.
Celebrate unusual holidays and incorporate the history into your homeschool. For example: February 7th is Laura Ingalls Wilder's birthday; March 15th is National Buzzard Day; and April 23rd is the birthday and day of death for William Shakespeare. Weaving events and celebrations into your study will bring interest and creativity.
Always ask your children what they want to study. So often the conflict in homeschooling is created by children being coerced into assignments they have no interest in doing. Trust yourself to help them find the way and trust your children to learn through their own passions.
Always remember that you are the one in charge of your Christian Homeschool. If you need to change something that isn't working, then go ahead and do it. You don't need anyone else's permission. If the curriculum you have is creating more problems than solutions, then switch to something else.
Accept chaos as normal! If you wait to homeschool until life is neat and tidy, it will never happen. The most teachable moments are usually in the middle of bedlam.
Every child learns things differently. After teaching your children for awhile, you will soon learn what their strongest styles of learning are (ie: auditory, visual, hands on). When you discover this, then start teaching the subjects that the are not very good in, using the style of learning that they enjoy the most.
Don't fall into the trap of comparing your children to those in the public school system. Yes, there are pros and cons to each kind of schooling, but don't forget the reasons you started to homeschool in the first place. Cherish the freedom and the liberty you have to teach your children in the ways that you feel is best for you family.
Have faith in your family and faith in your conviction to homeschool. Stay in touch with your support group for enrichment and good ideas.
Have you ever had one of those days when you begin to wonder if homeschooling is for you? You're not alone. Some days can be more stressful than others. One coping mechanism is to simply go out and get some fresh air. Let the kids go play for awhile, while you spend some quite time in prayer. This will help you clear your thoughts, and help you focus more on what needs to be done when you return to your "classroom".
Always remember that if you're continually stressed out, your children will be too. You can't give your children peace of mind if you don't have it yourself. So go ahead and pamper yourself once in a while. Go to a movie, have a special date with your spouse, go the spa! You get the idea. Get your life spiritually and emotionally re-filled, so you have something of value to give to your children.
Stop and consider the many reasons you began your Christian homeschool. Along with the educational reasons, most families also start to homeschool their children in order to have more quality family time together.
When problems arise, don't start looking to the public school system to solve them for you. Your answer is within your family, so gather the family together to discuss the issues, and brainstorm how to fix them.
Children need stability in their home lives, and one of the best ways to provide this is to set up several family traditions. Maybe you'll decide to have a prayer and devotional time each day as part of your Christian homeschool. Maybe you can develop a charitable work that your children can participate in on a regular basis as part of their homeschooling. Be creative when thinking about what traditions you can have in your family.
Celebrate unusual holidays and incorporate the history into your homeschool. For example: February 7th is Laura Ingalls Wilder's birthday; March 15th is National Buzzard Day; and April 23rd is the birthday and day of death for William Shakespeare. Weaving events and celebrations into your study will bring interest and creativity.
Always ask your children what they want to study. So often the conflict in homeschooling is created by children being coerced into assignments they have no interest in doing. Trust yourself to help them find the way and trust your children to learn through their own passions.
Always remember that you are the one in charge of your Christian Homeschool. If you need to change something that isn't working, then go ahead and do it. You don't need anyone else's permission. If the curriculum you have is creating more problems than solutions, then switch to something else.
Accept chaos as normal! If you wait to homeschool until life is neat and tidy, it will never happen. The most teachable moments are usually in the middle of bedlam.
Every child learns things differently. After teaching your children for awhile, you will soon learn what their strongest styles of learning are (ie: auditory, visual, hands on). When you discover this, then start teaching the subjects that the are not very good in, using the style of learning that they enjoy the most.
Don't fall into the trap of comparing your children to those in the public school system. Yes, there are pros and cons to each kind of schooling, but don't forget the reasons you started to homeschool in the first place. Cherish the freedom and the liberty you have to teach your children in the ways that you feel is best for you family.
Have faith in your family and faith in your conviction to homeschool. Stay in touch with your support group for enrichment and good ideas.
Have you ever had one of those days when you begin to wonder if homeschooling is for you? You're not alone. Some days can be more stressful than others. One coping mechanism is to simply go out and get some fresh air. Let the kids go play for awhile, while you spend some quite time in prayer. This will help you clear your thoughts, and help you focus more on what needs to be done when you return to your "classroom".
Always remember that if you're continually stressed out, your children will be too. You can't give your children peace of mind if you don't have it yourself. So go ahead and pamper yourself once in a while. Go to a movie, have a special date with your spouse, go the spa! You get the idea. Get your life spiritually and emotionally re-filled, so you have something of value to give to your children.
About the Author:
Brian Lehr has been a homeschooling parent for nine years. Save yourself time, money and headaches by visiting his Christian homeschooling blog for great tips, reviews, and fun advice. You'll also be pleasantly surprised at the various ways he suggests to help finance your Christian homeschool.
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